October 5, 2016

Consider a Career in Food or Meat Science at the University of Kentucky

Food Science is a rapidly evolving discipline that applies basic science and engineering to study the quality, nutritional value, and safety of foods.

The Food Science program at the University of Kentucky is the only such program in the commonwealth that offers a B.S. degree in Food Science. In fact, UK is one of only 43 colleges and universities in the United States with a food science program approved and accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists, a professional organization of over 30,000 members.Food scientists are professionals who:

Use science and technology to study everything that happens to food from the time it leaves the farm to the time it reaches your dinner plate.

Apply biological and physical sciences to learn about the nature of foods, their nutrient composition and values, and the principles underlying the processing, preservation, and improvement of human foods.

Play a leadership role in the conversion of raw agricultural and aquatic products into a wide variety of processed and preserved foods.

Create new and acceptable foods from various raw agricultural materials to meet the world’s rapid population growth.

If you enjoy the sciences and are looking for an exciting and challenging career on the cutting edge with excellent personal and financial rewards, then food science is for you.

Technology for the 21st Century

You may want to choose Food Science as a career if you’re interested in:

I was prepared exceptionally well for my career in the food industry. My courses gave me hands-on experience with product development, and I acquired real-world experience and industry contacts through internships. The students and professors I got to know will help me in my career as well as be lifelong friends. —Nicole Woy

With the broad range of subjects for the required courses and all the great opportunities for internships, I'll be able to handle any job out there upon graduation. No matter what background you come from, there is a place for you in the UK College of Agriculture. There is nowhere else I'd rather be. —Jesica Huber

The College of Agriculture faculty are friendly, have a lot of knowledge about their fields, and are always willing to help. Their primary focus is preparing students for the work force. I've received hands-on experience in the food industry through the internship program that is part of my major. —Charles Snyder

ACTIVITY: Develop a careers notebook by browsing through issues of “The Farmer’s Pride” and articles on kyfoodandfarm.com to find agriculture professionals. Write down their name, title, business or organization name, and any other information you may find about their job or career. Write about what interests you about that job and the schooling or experience that is needed to be successful.

Read the Kentucky Proud Magazine

Overview of Kentucky Agriculture

The following videos provide an overview of Kentucky agriculture. The first includes farmer interviews, and the second is a shorter version for younger students. We also encourage you to check out the tabs above for general information on Kentucky Agriculture.